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steel cable as a transformer core? Answered

could i use thick steel cable as a transformer core (1 inch stranded cable) if i saturated it in a nonconductive (epoxy? rubber cement? ect..? material to eliminate eddy currents and molded it into a double C core?

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No, because steel is permanently magnetic. Two things will happen - it will constantly blow the fuses, because the input impedance at switch on will be very low, and the core will get hot as it magnetises and demagnetises.

good point, ill try and check the local junkyard for soft cables and such, i may also get soft iron sheets and laminate it traditionally, but ill decide later, i like the idea of a transformer made of cable, but it must work so, i'll look for somthing pretty soft, and corroded xD